Kevin Smith pens emotional tribute to Stan Lee

Stan Lee, a legend in the comic book world, has died at the age of 95, reports say. He had suffered a number of illnesses in recent years. Though his name was behind some of our most beloved superheroes, many younger fans knew Lee's face because he appeared in every single Marvel film from 1989 to 2018.

From Spidey to Black Panther to the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, Lee collaborated with other authors and illustrators to put his lively imagination on the page.

"Awww man, heartbreaking. R.I.P.to a true pioneer and legend", tweeted Australian filmmaker James Wan, who directed numerous "Saw" and "Insidious" movies as well as helming Aquaman, an upcoming superhero film based on the character by Marvel rival DC Comics. "Part of me thought he would live forever". The Celestials also created the Deviants, a more monstrous race that seeks to do harm to humanity while the Eternals seek to protect it. "Stan the Brand", the authors of "Stan Lee and the Rise and Fall of the American Comic Book" called him, pointedly.

Another said: 'Now the both of them can continue to make people happy from the skies.

A statement on Marvel.com reads: "Today, Marvel Comics and The Walt Disney Company pause and reflect with great sadness on the passing of Marvel Chairman Emeritus, Stan Lee". Over the years, the credit for the characters - and, therefore, the profits - has been the subject of court cases, some involving Kirby or his family.

You dreamed up some of my favorite modern myths and created characters that instilled in me a moral barometer, teaching me right from wrong and showing me it's always better to be a hero instead of a villain.